Car Detailing - What products are your go to? - Page 21

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-06-2021, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangm001

Thanks everyone for their time and effort put into this thread, especially DFB!!

Just bought the red tapes. Red works best for me as one of my cars in yellow and the other blue!

Just another quickie, how many pads would you typically go through on a single car polish? Ie i now have 2x wool and 1x fine Rupes pad, should a get a few more fine or ultra fine pads?

You will need more pads than that. I would say get at least 3 - 4 of each pad type, cutting, intermediate and finishing. You may or may not need all of those but you will need to have options so you can choose the correct pad for your paint and defect removal needs. You won't know that until you start testing.

If you are new to polishing, I would stick with foam, wool and microfibre pads are generally used when more aggression is needed.

Easiest way to buy pads when you need to set yourself up is in kit form. These two packages from Waxit allow you to choose pad size. Once you get comfortable with what you like or need, you can then order the pads individually.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ate-pad-refill
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...39349179547737

I have two containers full of pads.

The top stack is for my old polisher in 6.5 inch size. The bottom container has pads for my new polishers. When I bought my new 3 and 5 inch machines, that meant I needed another collection of pads to suit. I bought the Shine Mate refill kits in 4 and 6 inch with the diamond pattern. To that, I added some ultra-soft 6 inch pads for wax/sealant application.

Also worth noting that I have had great success with using Bowdens Microfibre Wash to clean used pads. I slosh a bit un-diluted onto the pad, work it in then rinse under running water. I will then throw them in the washing machine with the same detergent. Air dry them indoors and store in an airtight contain to avoid contamination.

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-06-2021, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bangm001

Thanks everyone for their time and effort put into this thread, especially DFB!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by T3rminator

+1 for DFB. Very articulate and patient he is. Gets a few repetitive questions (from me!) but always helpful!

Very happy to help, and not repetitive at all.

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-06-2021, 07:52 PM

Restocking some favorites, and a new addition.

I was late to the Bead Maker party but it has become a valuable product to have in the cabinet. I like how Bead Maker can be used quickly and easily on customer cars to ramp up some gloss and add a small amount of protection. On my own cars, I use it every second wash so as to not overdo it. It's pretty cost effective and available from a few different suppliers now, I bought with The Detail Store on this occasion.
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...int-protectant

Koch Chemie Insect and Dirt Remover is a beast at removing bugs. I use this when required on the front bumper, windscreen and wing mirrors to loosen but splatter, sometimes with the aid of a Jersey Bug Scrubber.
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...-remover-750ml
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...g-scrubber-pad

After having to deal with some stubbornly dirty interior glass lately, Angelwax Vision is a pretty strong glass cleaner that should aid the process of clearing up neglected glass. A quick whiff of the product nearly burnt the lungs out of my chest! It's expensive but if it saves having to make 3 - 4 attempts at getting the glass clean, it will be money well spent.
https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...-cleaner-500ml

**anobserver** · 24-06-2021, 06:05 PM

Looking for some feedback on hydrophobic coatings.

Currently using either Bowdens fully slick and/or carpro elixir. Looking at other products like bowdens bead porn, what differences have people seen?

Im finding bowdens boss gloss a handy quick detailer before applying that topup of water resistant coating, but to be honest, im not sure whether the differences in the products are really that noticeable.

fiestaz · 24-06-2021, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

Looking for some feedback on hydrophobic coatings.

Currently using either Bowdens fully slick and/or carpro elixir. Looking at other products like bowdens bead porn, what differences have people seen?

Im finding bowdens boss gloss a handy quick detailer, but to be honest, im not sure wnether the differences are really that noticeable.

I use lazy wax and then fully slick from Bowdens. The hydrophobic affect is great but does not last very long. I top it up with wet dreams during washing.

For longer lasting hydrophobic coatings you’ll want Flash Prep and Bead Machine. Fully slick is more based on getting that slick, deep finish from the paint, while bead machine is more focused on your hydrophobic protection.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-06-2021, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

Looking for some feedback on hydrophobic coatings.

Currently using either Bowdens fully slick and/or carpro elixir. Looking at other products like bowdens bead porn, what differences have people seen?

Im finding bowdens boss gloss a handy quick detailer before applying that topup of water resistant coating, but to be honest, im not sure whether the differences in the products are really that noticeable.

Most of, it not all of the SiO2 based products will do what you are looking for.

This side of a full-on Ceramic coating, I can't go past NV Nova Jet though for that sort of thing. It will last up to 6 months as a standalone or up to 3 months as a topper to other wax's and sealants.

I have not used Jet for a while, I think I might get it out next time I wash the Mustang.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-06-2021, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiji

Turtle wax ice seal and shine new formula.

Great shine and proven tough durability.. get on Amazon for $18.

Makes the more expensive products eat humble pie

The golden rule of detailing is to find what you like and keep using it.

I was using Turtle Wax on my grandfathers car for a while, it always produced great results with minimal effort.

**DFB FGXR6** · 24-06-2021, 06:31 PM

Supercheap have 30% off Bowdens products at the moment for those who are interested.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/7-...-wk52-7dd#main

prydey · 24-06-2021, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Supercheap have 30% off Bowdens products at the moment for those who are interested.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/7-...-wk52-7dd#main

Thanks. Very timely.

prydey · 25-06-2021, 02:54 PM

This may seem a bit odd but does anyone wash their car in the rain? Obviously finishing off drying it under cover.

Our Escape is due for its 3 month check up on Monday and the weather is meant to be wet every day. I like to present my cars looking clean plus it has a few blemishes I want looked at that are best seen when it's clean. (likely from fallout, even though it apparently got detailed and ceramic coated)

I can't see any issues with washing in the rain except weird looks from the neighbours

T3rminator · 25-06-2021, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

This may seem a bit odd but does anyone wash their car in the rain? Obviously finishing off drying it under cover.

Our Escape is due for its 3 month check up on Monday and the weather is meant to be wet every day. I like to present my cars looking clean plus it has a few blemishes I want looked at that are best seen when it's clean. (likely from fallout, even though it apparently got detailed and ceramic coated)

I can't see any issues with washing in the rain except weird looks from the neighbours

My dad does it

if you dont snow foam, then the car is already prepped.

**DFB FGXR6** · 25-06-2021, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

This may seem a bit odd but does anyone wash their car in the rain? Obviously finishing off drying it under cover.

I can't see any issues with washing in the rain except weird looks from the neighbours

Is the Pope Catholic?

And my neighbors gave up with the weird looks long ago, they know what to expect now.

**DFB FGXR6** · 25-06-2021, 09:07 PM

Car Care Products have just introduced a competitor product the rather excellent Rupes iBrid Nano in the form of the Mint ProTools RO Polisher Nano Hybrid.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/m...no-hybrid.html

This represents a pretty heft saving over the $1089 Rupes at $499.99.

I have to say, they look very, very similar.

prydey · 26-06-2021, 03:44 PM

$150 later...

Not sure if the interior cleaner is the right product but was sure it was the brand that often gets recommended when I've asked about interior cleaning.

Hopefully the rain is gone enough by tomorrow afternoon to test the new products out.

**Rallye Sport** · 26-06-2021, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Hope this falls under "detailing"....

There is something on a section of my windshield that causes "frost" or "mist" to stick. Makes morning driving on cold days a bit iffy. It takes a good 10 min or so of driving to clear it up.

The wipers are still good, they are bosch aerotwins, and does the job when its raining. It clears when I use the wipers, but then frosts up again pretty much within a couple of seconds later. The section in green is where I'm talking about. The other part of the windscreen where you can see the big wiper mark is fine. Washing the car or cleaning with windex doesn't seem to achieve anything. Any ideas?

image

I was getting something like this in my daily. You're right it gets dicey on frosty mornings. Assumed it was a build up of grease/ diesel/ grime. I gave it a hit of prep wash and it seems to have worked.

Gave this stuff a go this morning. The cars not dirty as such it just picks up a cloudy film from being under the cover. A bit like fingerprints. I'm loathed to wash the car so tried this as a waterless wash.
It took no time, worked a treat and I didn't have to leave the garage to do it.

Top_Ghia · 26-06-2021, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Car Care Products have just introduced a competitor product the rather excellent Rupes iBrid Nano in the form of the Mint ProTools RO Polisher Nano Hybrid.

https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/m...no-hybrid.html

image

image

This represents a pretty heft saving over the $1089 Rupes at $499.99.

I have to say, they look very, very similar.

image

image

Well well well. That does look good. Should I get one of those instead of a 3 inch DA polisher?
The obvious answer is get both but that’s not happening.
I think I’ll still get the 3 incher as this seems more like a niche or luxury item.

T3rminator · 26-06-2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

I was getting something like this in my daily. You're right it gets dicey on frosty mornings. Assumed it was a build up of grease/ diesel/ grime. I gave it a hit of prep wash and it seems to have worked.

Gave this stuff a go this morning. The cars not dirty as such it just picks up a cloudy film from being under the cover. A bit like fingerprints. I'm loathed to wash the car so tried this as a waterless wash.
It took no time, worked a treat and I didn't have to leave the garage to do it.

image

Thanks Rallye. I was going to give Stoner a go, I'll put this one on the list too. I tried degreaser

and it didn't do anything. It was drizzling a bit yesterday, and I noticed that when light water runs down that area, it would make a curve route rather than straight down. Yet when its dried, its crystal clear. There is obviously a layer of something there, as well as other part of the windscreen.

**DFB FGXR6** · 26-06-2021, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

Well well well. That does look good. Should I get one of those instead of a 3 inch DA polisher?
The obvious answer is get both but that’s not happening.
I think I’ll still get the 3 incher as this seems more like a niche or luxury item.

I would get the 3 inch for sure, you will get more use out it than a Nano. I'm actually really surprised at how much I used it.

A nano polisher is a luxury, a nice thing to have for those small areas. You are going to 95 - 98 % of a car polished with a 3 and 5+ machine though.

**DFB FGXR6** · 26-06-2021, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

$150 later...

image

Not sure if the interior cleaner is the right product but was sure it was the brand that often gets recommended when I've asked about interior cleaning.

Hopefully the rain is gone enough by tomorrow afternoon to test the new products out.

Nice haul, I love it!

The 303 product you have in the pic is their interior cleaner, safe to use on all surfaces, even LCD screens. It will leave no residue behind.
https://www.303products.com.au/produ...terior-cleaner

303 Interior Cleaner is different to 303 Automotive Protectant, which is generally used to protect and or revive interior trims. It will leave a slight sheen once applied, unlike the cleaner.
https://www.303products.com.au/produ...otectant-30382

prydey · 26-06-2021, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the clarification regarding the 303 products. They had the protectant there as well but I wasn't sure. Its probably more for the territory as its had a lot more wear and tear particularly in the high traffic areas like door sills and bottom of the A pillar area. I don't often go to supercheap and I hadn't seen the brand around in the other shops so just grabbed the cleaner.

The Escape I've just been using a damp microfibre cloth, given its brand new.

fiestaz · 26-06-2021, 08:04 PM

Interesting test with Bowdens sealants. I think bead machine will be my next purchase once fully slick is used up.
https://youtu.be/21lQnf9f_QA

T3rminator · 27-06-2021, 10:00 AM

So I applied some prep (wax and grease remover)......nup.....time for new windscreen?

Not sure what other stronger stuff can be tried.

Fast forwarded 4x so you can see effect.

prydey · 27-06-2021, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Interesting test with Bowdens sealants. I think bead machine will be my next purchase once fully slick is used up.
https://youtu.be/21lQnf9f_QA

Thanks for the link to the video.

Given I've just bought a snow cannon, and looking at how easy the happy ending is to apply and finish, I reckon some of that will find its way in to my growing collection pretty soon.

CyberWasp · 27-06-2021, 04:05 PM

OK where are the Car Detailer Anonymous Meetings held?

My Mustang is at the Smash Repairs as it was rear ended, and I have a hire car.

The car would have been clean enough for about 95% of the population but I had to give the interior a good going over. There were a couple smears and sticky patches on things, I had to clean them if I was driving the thing for a few weeks.
A good vacuum unearthed a few surprises under the seats and a quick multipurpose clean followed by some Aerospace 303. It now looks new but what am I doing.....

The final straw was when I washed it.....(why do you wash a hire car) but the water was flat on the surfaces and not sheeting off...I struggled with myself...i resisted...i won't do it, but the water didn't bead...i won't do it....I can't help it.

It got a coat of CarPro Hydro2.

fiestaz · 27-06-2021, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

OK where are the Car Detailer Anonymous Meetings held?

My Mustang is at the Smash Repairs as it was rear ended, and I have a hire car.

The car would have been clean enough for about 95% of the population but I had to give the interior a good going over. There were a couple smears and sticky patches on things, I had to clean them if I was driving the thing for a few weeks.
A good vacuum unearthed a few surprises under the seats and a quick multipurpose clean followed by some Aerospace 303. It now looks new but what am I doing.....

The final straw was when I washed it.....(why do you wash a hire car) but the water was flat on the surfaces and not sheeting off...I struggled with myself...i resisted...i won't do it, but the water didn't bead...i won't do it....I can't help it.

It got a coat of CarPro Hydro2.

That rental will never see that sort of attention again.
Is it Atleast a nice rental?

**DFB FGXR6** · 27-06-2021, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

OK where are the Car Detailer Anonymous Meetings held?

My Mustang is at the Smash Repairs as it was rear ended, and I have a hire car.

The car would have been clean enough for about 95% of the population but I had to give the interior a good going over. There were a couple smears and sticky patches on things, I had to clean them if I was driving the thing for a few weeks.
A good vacuum unearthed a few surprises under the seats and a quick multipurpose clean followed by some Aerospace 303. It now looks new but what am I doing.....

The final straw was when I washed it.....(why do you wash a hire car) but the water was flat on the surfaces and not sheeting off...I struggled with myself...i resisted...i won't do it, but the water didn't bead...i won't do it....I can't help it.

It got a coat of CarPro Hydro2.

It's ok, you are in a safe place here.

But geez, even I don't detail a rental/loaner.

**Ross 1** · 27-06-2021, 04:46 PM

Just wondering what the next step up on polishes is from Supercheap/Repco I gave the wife' car a wash, clay bar and polish with Ultimate Compound, it came up good but there is still a handful of small swirl marks visible if you look in the right light. I don't want to go too abrasive but would like to see them gone.

**DFB FGXR6** · 27-06-2021, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross 1

Just wondering what the next step up on polishes is from Supercheap/Repco I gave the wife' car a wash, clay bar and polish with Ultimate Compound, it came up good but there is still a handful of small swirl marks visible if you look in the right light. I don't want to go too abrasive but would like to see them gone.
image

You will need to either try a more aggressive pad with the Ultimate Compound or step up to a stronger compound. You can always just spot treat those scratches if you don't want or need to attack a whole panel.

I mention this stuff frequently, but Scholl S20 Black has the ability to cut back defects then finish down without leaving a haze that would need another pass with a finishing polish. Effectively a 1-Step polish it is also low dusting. Scale it's level of cut by choosing an appropriate pad.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-step-compound

**Rallye Sport** · 27-06-2021, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

OK where are the Car Detailer Anonymous Meetings held?

My Mustang is at the Smash Repairs as it was rear ended, and I have a hire car.

The car would have been clean enough for about 95% of the population but I had to give the interior a good going over. There were a couple smears and sticky patches on things, I had to clean them if I was driving the thing for a few weeks.
A good vacuum unearthed a few surprises under the seats and a quick multipurpose clean followed by some Aerospace 303. It now looks new but what am I doing.....

The final straw was when I washed it.....(why do you wash a hire car) but the water was flat on the surfaces and not sheeting off...I struggled with myself...i resisted...i won't do it, but the water didn't bead...i won't do it....I can't help it.

It got a coat of CarPro Hydro2.

Fair enough on the interior if you've got it for a few weeks.

You're a better man than me for washing it though. I normally give my rentals back with square tyres and a burnt clutch

**GasoLane** · 27-06-2021, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross 1

Just wondering what the next step up on polishes is from Supercheap/Repco I gave the wife' car a wash, clay bar and polish with Ultimate Compound, it came up good but there is still a handful of small swirl marks visible if you look in the right light. I don't want to go too abrasive but would like to see them gone.
image

Now tell them what wife's car is